Thiruvananthapuram | September 5, 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned the alleged custodial assault of Kerala Youth Congress leader VS Sujith, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing” and “inhuman.” The case, which occurred two years ago, has resurfaced after CCTV footage of the assault emerged this week, sparking widespread outrage.

What the CCTV Shows

The video, now circulated by party leaders, shows Sujith, who is also the Chovannur mandalam president, being escorted into the Kunnamkulam police station. The footage then captures officers repeatedly slapping and punching him inside the premises. The visuals surfaced on Wednesday, reviving demands for strict action against those involved.

Tharoor’s Reaction

Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, condemning the officers’ actions. “Assaulting a citizen for questioning police threats is not only unlawful, it is inhuman. Such officers, who violate the very principles of justice and dignity, have no place in the police force,” he said.

He further added that the officers “forfeited the moral right to continue in service” and urged Kerala’s chief minister and the home department to take immediate action. “Silence cannot be the shield for such brutality,” he wrote.

Opposition Demands Action

The incident has intensified political tensions in Kerala. On Thursday, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan wrote to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding the dismissal of the officers and criminal proceedings against them.

Satheesan alleged that despite Supreme Court rulings against custodial torture, attempts were made to shield the accused. “Senior officers allegedly tried to protect those involved by omitting key names from the charge sheet and concealing reports,” he wrote. He also noted that the footage was obtained only through a prolonged battle under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Sujith’s Allegations

Speaking to reporters, Sujith claimed that the policemen had offered him ₹20 lakh to settle the case, but he refused. He added that the officers remained in service, while only minor offences were filed against them.

“The case was suppressed for two years, and only after the RTI process was the CCTV footage revealed. Even then, no strict action has been taken,” Sujith said, as quoted by PTI.

Protests on the Ground

The controversy has triggered protests across the state. On Thursday, Youth Congress workers in Malappuram carried out a march to the residence of Sub-Inspector Nuhman, one of the accused officers.

The protest turned violent when demonstrators attempted to jump barricades placed by police, leading to a lathi charge that left several injured. According to PTI, Nuhman was not present at his residence and is currently staying at police quarters in Thrissur.

The Larger Context

The resurfacing of this case has reignited debates over custodial violence in India, an issue repeatedly flagged by rights groups and the judiciary. Despite rulings from the Supreme Court prohibiting custodial torture, cases continue to emerge, raising questions about police accountability and systemic reform.

With the Congress stepping up its demand for immediate dismissal and criminal prosecution of the accused officers, the spotlight is now firmly on the Kerala government’s response.